Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan)

The Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan), one of the best zoological parks in China, is home to some 6,000 animals representing 600 species, many of them indigenous to China. Apart from the typical zoo favorites (giraffes, elephants and seals), the Giant Pandas are the main draw here, though their enclosure could do with a facelift.

When planning to visit the zoo, be prepared to do a fair amount of walking, as the enclosures are rather spread out from each other. If you’re traveling with young children, consider taking advantage of the electric shuttles that ferry visitors from one exhibit to the next every few minutes, and be sure to visit the Children’s Zoo, a petting zoo with a few interactive animal encounters, like pony rides, geared toward little ones.

While you can purchase food at the snack stalls scattered throughout the park, you’d be better off bringing along a picnic lunch to enjoy in the ample green spaces. Be sure to visit the information kiosk as you enter to pick up a schedule of animal shows and feeding times.